FanPost

Fanpost Friday: Just a few pieces

The Tigers are not in the same predicament they were in last year with the contracts of Justin Verlander and Justin Upton among other trade targets to disperse of. They do have a few pieces that are either in an exit year or are drawing interest on the trade waves. Those pieces would include RHP Mike Fiers, LHP Francisco Liriano, OF Leonys Martin, and SS Jose Iglesias. I'll begin with these few pieces:

RHP Mike Fiers to Oakland Athletics for OF Lazaro Armenteros and RHP Wyatt Marks

One of the main reasons Detroit signed Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano is the possibility that they would rebound from subpar 2017 campaigns and be able to flip them at the deadline to help advance their rebuild. An upstart Oakland team is making a push for the playoffs and is in need of pitching depth. The team currently have only a few pitchers that have provided consistent performances of over 6 innings. As the lowest opening day payroll, the A's are trying to become the first team with a payroll that low to reach the playoffs and a move to get Fiers will help, but may not be the acquisition that puts them over Seattle and Houston in the West.

Armenteros figures to be a nice bat to put out in left field. His bat tools figure to be above average, although he doesn't figure to be in a Major League uniform until 2021.

Marks is a RHP who figures to be a force at the back of the 'pen. His ETA to the Majors is 2020.

LHP Francisco Liriano & OF Leonys Martin to Philadelphia Phillies for LHP Kyle Dohy and OF Roman Quinn

Liriano has struggled as a starter since he has returned from his DL stint. However, he was dynamite earlier in the year and has remained lights out against lefties. He would seem to fit the LOOGY reliever mold for a contender, which would make sense in a national league team.

Martin has been an excellent addition to the Tigers this year provided outstanding defense and some decent results swinging the lumber. Detroit has no reason to keep Leonys and Philadelphia has struggled to find a platoon in the outfield that works. Martin could slide in as an everyday player, platoon, or speed and defense off the bench.

Roman Quinn is a speedster that, if on base, could cause a bit of chaos on the basepaths. His bat is a positive for him and as is his defense. He could be added to the MLB club immediately if so desired.

Kyle Dohy is a relief arm that could benefit the Tigers soon. The Tigers could go after more starting arms, but with their top 5 prospects, according to MLB.com, being starting pitchers, they can afford to address the bullpen.

I believe the Tigers will extend Iglesias to continue to be their outstanding Shortstop

Now for the bigger pieces. Fulmer will not be dealt at the deadline. He is not performing at his pinnacle, he has too much control left to justify selling low, and you could get a better deal in the offseason. There are reports that the Reds are a club that are looking for controllable starters, but in order to get the best offer for him they need him to improve his value and wait a little longer.

Castellanos is a different story. He is a free agent following the 2019 season and has not expressed interest in remaining with the Tigers. He is having a career year batting over .300 and has been the only glimmer of life in an otherwise dead lineup. With one more year of control he could be sought after by teams close or not to the playoff push. A team rumored to be connected to Castellanos is the Atlanta Braves.

OF Nick Castellanos to Atlanta Braves for RHP Touki Toussaint

This trade might be asking a lot from Atlanta, but I don't think Detroit would sell for less. With a very deep farm system, Atlanta may use Toussaint as a trade chip to bolster their outfield ranks. Acuna would most assuredly move to CF with a struggling Inciarte to the bench. Castellanos would then be used in left field.

I think that Shane Greene, Michael Fulmer, and Matt Boyd will be help onto for now and perhaps you see a trade for them this offseason.

Let me know what You think!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.